'NOVA COACH JAY WRIGHT REVEALS MUCH

by Ron Bailey

October 6, 2008 – Villanova’s head coach, Jay Wright, participated in the Hoop Magic Stu Vetter Coaching Clinic recently, in doing so joining a cadre of celebrated, talented coaches, as well as widely respected sports health professionals. For coverage, see i95Ballerz.com (linked above).

Wright, known for having tough, offensively explosive squads focused on the development of plays, providing attendees insight into the mind directing one of the Big East’s most recognized and respected programs.

One set Villanova is well know for is the pick and roll; last year, Scottie Reynolds performed it well, scoring 15.8 points and being tabbed second team All-Big East and MVP of Villanova’s team, during the school’s 22-13, 2007-2008 season. The squad would make March Madness’ Sweet Sixteen round, bucking College Basketball Odds along the way.

“It was working via spacing” stressed Wright, of his team’s proficiency in what is one of the most fundamental yet most difficult to defend basketball plays. There is no wonder many teams in the world’s best league, the National Basketball Association, constantly employ it, as the pick and roll is not only effective, but efficient from time and energy standpoints.

That’s not to say Wright ran pick and roll exclusively, since the team used many other plays and sets. The determining factor of what Villanova’s coach runs? “It’s based on your players” said Wright in a matter of fact manner. “And how the opponent is going to defend you”.

If readers are getting the impression Wright uses a common sense, streamlined approach to basketball play development, they’re right, as he believes an excessive amount of plays is counterproductive. “For the players, they have to think more and it slows them down” remarked Wright of a large playbook. “If you can look at the plays you have, see how they are working and tweak them, that’s better…I don’t have to come up with more plays, just know how they (defenders) are going to play you”.

This philosophy was dramatically revealed by Wright’s revelation regarding his 2005-2006 team’s much touted ‘four guard offense’, one that led the Wildcats to an Elite Eight NCAA tourney berth: “There was no four guard offense. Our forward (Curtis Sumpter) got hurt. We moved Randy Foye into the forward spot and ran the exact same plays. They just played him differently."

There you have it, straight from Wright’s mouth. It’s clear by his 148-83 record at Villanova and four consecutive NCAA tournament invitations (during that period, the team is 96-37), Wright’s system works.

Just a little something to inform NBE Basketball Report readers. Expect more later.